Celebrities join calls to stop proposed seaweed farm at Port Quin
Doc Martin star, Martin Clunes, and Walking Dead star, Andrew Lincoln, are the latest to object to plans
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
Two celebrities have backed a campaign to stop a seaweed farm which is proposed for the North Cornwall coast.
Biome Algae and Camel Fish Limited plan to create two seaweed farms in Port Quin Bay, which has faced backlash.
Doc Martin star, Martin Clunes, and Walking Dead star, Andrew Lincoln, are the latest to object plans for the proposed farm, which if approved will be as large as 140 football pitches.
Andrew Lincoln, actor, said: "I'm amazed that an idea as dreadful as this has made it far enough to make any protest necessary. It's disguised as some sort of environmental favour to the area and a source of local employment.
"I'm under no illusion that this is just an elaborate way for a couple of people to make a lot of money at the expense of a pristine coastline of outstanding natural beauty, so they can live comfortably elsewhere.
"As a surfer I always believed that "the sea is free", well apparently not, it can be privatised and commercialised on an industrial scale, without even properly consulting any locals.
"This is nothing short of a disaster for our coastline, our local communities, and will no doubt have serious repercussions for tourism."
Barnaby Kay, who's campaigning against proposals, said: "There've been a lot of celebrity interest with people who have property or a connection with North Cornwall. That's including Martin Clunes.
"He described it as a hideous plan"
"More recently, Andrew Lincoln who is a wonderful actor from the Walking Dead series, he said a similar thing and had a similar reaction, that it would be a disaster."
In a joint statement, Biome Algae and Camel Fish, say both applications are for "sustainable, regenerative seaweed farms" which will enhance "marine biodiversity".
They added that both companies had engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, and secured regional support in the region before submitting applications to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
They also said that they placed adverts in papers and magazines, and placed a prominent public notice, as instructed by the MMO.
The consultation on plans closes today (Thursday 14 March).
Read more:
Huge seaweed farm in North Cornwall area of natural beauty opposed by locals
Developers behind North Cornwall seaweed farm proposals to meet with concerned locals